Friday, January 29, 2010
The City Needs to Give Me "Real" Money
A week ago I had heard of The Blank Club handing out "black cards" yesterday, so I figured even if I wasn't one to go out often, attending 3 times a year would be worth it since it'd be free with one (and of course, you never know what the future holds). Amy and I were both tired but thought it would be fun owning one and feeling like VIP, so we just rounded up $5 from our laundry collection - I don't get around to a bank much nor do I carry loads of cash on me. Amy parks around the corner and I go stand in a line and wait for about 10 min. I get right up to the front, show my drivers license and hear "$5." I open my hand and the lady gets all defensive. She shoves her metal box shut and motions both hands up and says "Nuh-uh. Get real money. Move along." I felt so humiliated and ticked! What about "United States of America" printed on a coin isn't "real." It wasn't like I was handing 500 pennies or anything for her to count - exact change and dollar coins like those government operations with change spits at you either from transportation services or post office, etc. The bouncer felt for me and tried reassuring that I could go over to a bar around the corner to get change. I just gave up and told Amy the story, and how I felt like a bum trying to get drunk in a club. What-evs. Those moments are what make stories funny in life, so I'll appreciate my embarrassment...
Thursday, January 21, 2010
First Impressions via the Internet
As of January 1, 2010 I've been part of an online dating community through OkCupid. Now I'm not looking for anyone (especially via the web), but I was encouraged to sign up by my friend Sandra who found her guy on this particular site. I admit I was curious, so I loaded up a picture of me, punched in some interesting facts, and watched my viewings skyrocket to 100+ per week, and my inbox highlighting the many new messages I receive each day. It's pretty crazy... and sometimes annoying to keep up! Don't want to leave anyone hanging even if I'm not interested. There are some decent guys on there, but I haven't met anyone in public yet, and I've been clear as to why I'm on there. I feel mean since it's a bit misleading why I would be on a dating site if I wasn't interested in dating! I figured I could use my insight to let those of you in on what I think grabs my attention:
1. Be creative in your approach. In the midst of 10+ emails, I am more likely to click on one that is specific to what I have on my profile than a subject line reading: "Hi" or "Would you like to get to know me?" etc. Now it seems unfair, because from my understanding, guys are simple and quick-to-the-point kind of creatures. So instead of fumbling around on things like "That's cool you play piano, I play guitar" to later find out the chick isn't interested, is a bit tedious. Unfortunately, we're females and not that direct. Sorry dudes.
2. Have a decent screen name. yellowboogers23 is not very attractive or impressive.
3. Watch the copy/paste. I'm aware on a site like this, you're looking at other girl's profiles, but please don't call me Samantha in your private message.
4. Don't look like a creep - or please upload a picture. I'm not a fan of being harsh, so when one guy asked in an email reasons why I wouldn't be interested, I was blunt about it but not mean. It wasn't all about his looks, but it's an example for this reason. His profile picture had a vacant stare and no smile and looked a bit unfriendly (stalker perhaps? it's the internet... could be anyone). I let him know that his picture is a first impression and after a day or so he thanked me and I noticed a new uploaded image. His smiling picture definitely looked more approachable, and I'm sure his viewings are higher these days.
1. Be creative in your approach. In the midst of 10+ emails, I am more likely to click on one that is specific to what I have on my profile than a subject line reading: "Hi" or "Would you like to get to know me?" etc. Now it seems unfair, because from my understanding, guys are simple and quick-to-the-point kind of creatures. So instead of fumbling around on things like "That's cool you play piano, I play guitar" to later find out the chick isn't interested, is a bit tedious. Unfortunately, we're females and not that direct. Sorry dudes.
2. Have a decent screen name. yellowboogers23 is not very attractive or impressive.
3. Watch the copy/paste. I'm aware on a site like this, you're looking at other girl's profiles, but please don't call me Samantha in your private message.
4. Don't look like a creep - or please upload a picture. I'm not a fan of being harsh, so when one guy asked in an email reasons why I wouldn't be interested, I was blunt about it but not mean. It wasn't all about his looks, but it's an example for this reason. His profile picture had a vacant stare and no smile and looked a bit unfriendly (stalker perhaps? it's the internet... could be anyone). I let him know that his picture is a first impression and after a day or so he thanked me and I noticed a new uploaded image. His smiling picture definitely looked more approachable, and I'm sure his viewings are higher these days.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
An Excellent Planner for Perhaps an Excellent Year
Can't believe I have not found a decent, 2010 planner - and it's driving me nuts! I feel a bit picky, but no one knows how to produce great ones anymore. I used an excellent one for 2009, and unfortunately, haven't been able to find one just like it on its website or the store I purchased it from. I've also looked around at other bookstores, stationary spots, and all over the internet. Let me know if I'm being ridiculous, but here's what makes a great schedule book to me:
1) A full year or more (I came across "academic" ones that lasted until June). Also, my preference is the weekly planner with a monthly outlook. Less stressful viewing a weekly than a monthly, but good to have the monthly there to be aware of upcoming events later on.
2) Cannot be spiral-bound. I don't know about you, but spirals can get in the way of writing, they can bend, unravel, snag on something in your bag, and I've had a plastic one break! That list can go on...
3) Must possess a cute factor (basic ones are fine, but none of this ugly kitten picture stuff) and is "mature" - i.e. we are adults who organize our lives. Anyone professional who sees smiling robots will think otherwise.
4) Pockets, extra pages for notes, mentions of holidays, moon stages, and info like state capitals and measurement units are great
5) No tabs - makes a complication when you can't access the pages in between them
6) Elastic band closure - excellent easy opening, and is good at holding loose notes inside. A magnetic clip or cover flap gets in the way, and nothing to close it with causes the book to open easily inside your bag/purse. Ribbons are decent but you'd have to tie a knot/bow each time.
7) Creative. My '09 agenda had the coolest thing: Perforated edges were located on the bottom right corner available to tear off after each week, letting you find the date in no time (like the dog-ear flap in a book idea).
8) I favor a tough paperback, but can compromise with a hardcover - sometimes those are hard to open quick enough though.
Yep, call me picky (like I've stated), but I'm a trial/error gal and I know what works best. I could probably even design some and see if selling in the future is possible. Spending $14+ for generic ones that violate my proclivities aren't worth it... maybe if I get desperate enough.
1) A full year or more (I came across "academic" ones that lasted until June). Also, my preference is the weekly planner with a monthly outlook. Less stressful viewing a weekly than a monthly, but good to have the monthly there to be aware of upcoming events later on.
2) Cannot be spiral-bound. I don't know about you, but spirals can get in the way of writing, they can bend, unravel, snag on something in your bag, and I've had a plastic one break! That list can go on...
3) Must possess a cute factor (basic ones are fine, but none of this ugly kitten picture stuff) and is "mature" - i.e. we are adults who organize our lives. Anyone professional who sees smiling robots will think otherwise.
4) Pockets, extra pages for notes, mentions of holidays, moon stages, and info like state capitals and measurement units are great
5) No tabs - makes a complication when you can't access the pages in between them
6) Elastic band closure - excellent easy opening, and is good at holding loose notes inside. A magnetic clip or cover flap gets in the way, and nothing to close it with causes the book to open easily inside your bag/purse. Ribbons are decent but you'd have to tie a knot/bow each time.
7) Creative. My '09 agenda had the coolest thing: Perforated edges were located on the bottom right corner available to tear off after each week, letting you find the date in no time (like the dog-ear flap in a book idea).
8) I favor a tough paperback, but can compromise with a hardcover - sometimes those are hard to open quick enough though.
Yep, call me picky (like I've stated), but I'm a trial/error gal and I know what works best. I could probably even design some and see if selling in the future is possible. Spending $14+ for generic ones that violate my proclivities aren't worth it... maybe if I get desperate enough.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)